Exploring the Potential of BTK Inhibitors in Primary Progressive MS: The PERSEUS Trial
The phase 3 PERSEUS study will assess the efficacy of Sanofi’s investigational Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor tolebrutinib compared with placebo in delaying disability progression in PPMS.
Previous research has shown that primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) impacts about 10% to 15% of individuals with MS, where the disease can lead to a gradual increase in disability over time.1 The clinical course of PPMS differs widely among patients, some may experience radiological activity while others do not, and progression may or may not even occur in some patients.2 A prior study reported that in 2 to 5 years of onset, 21.4% and 32.8% of patients with PPMS, respectively, developed moderate disability, while 3.3% and 14.1% progressed to severe disability. Interestingly, 4.7% of patients showed no progression to moderate disability even after 20 years.3